RETAIL VENTURES, INC. Exhibit 23(b) INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration No. 333-100398 of Retail Ventures, Inc. (formerly Value City Department Stores, Inc.) on Form S-8 of our report (with an explanatory paragraph regarding adoption of Financial Accounting Standard No. 142) dated March 19, 2003, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Value City Department Stores, Inc. for the year ended February 1, 2003. Columbus, Ohio October 16, 2003